Janet Hubert's Back: Original Aunt Viv Joins 'Bel-Air' Final Season!

Get ready, Fresh Prince fans! The legendary Janet Hubert, who originated the role of Aunt Viv, is making a special guest appearance in the fourth and final season of Peacock's dramatic reboot, Bel-Air.

TL;DR

• Janet Hubert, the original Aunt Viv, will guest star in Bel-Air Season 4 as a "wise woman" who helps Hilary.
• The fourth and final season of Bel-Air premieres on Peacock on Monday, November 24.
• Hubert joins a growing list of original Fresh Prince cast members, including Daphne Maxwell Reid, Tatyana Ali, Joseph Marcell, Vernee Watson-Johnson, and Tyra Banks, making appearances in the reboot.

A Legendary Return: The Original Aunt Viv is Back in the Bel-Air Universe

Hold onto your hats, West Philadelphia! Janet Hubert, the iconic actress who brought the first Aunt Vivian Banks to life in the '90s hit sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, is officially set to guest star in the highly anticipated fourth and final season of Peacock's gritty reimagining, Bel-Air. This news has fans buzzing, and for good reason—it’s a truly full-circle moment for a character and an actress whose story has been central to the franchise's legacy.

Hubert, who is 69, won't be reprising her role as Aunt Viv in the reboot. Instead, she'll play a "wise woman" who crosses paths with Hilary (played by Coco Jones) and becomes a pivotal figure for the entire Banks family. This new character promises to bring depth and a guiding presence, echoing the gravitas and wisdom Hubert is known for. Imagine the mentorship and insights she'll bring to Hilary's journey of self-exploration in the upcoming season!

Decades in the Making: Reconciliation and a Fresh Start for Janet Hubert

For many fans, Janet Hubert's return isn't just exciting casting news; it's a significant milestone. Hubert famously played Aunt Viv for the first three seasons of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air before being replaced by Daphne Maxwell Reid. Her departure led to a highly publicized, decades-long feud with none other than Will Smith, the star of the original show.

During their powerful HBO Max reunion in 2020 for the 30th anniversary of The Fresh Prince, Hubert and Smith finally cleared the air. Hubert shared that she hadn't been fired but chose not to accept an unfair contract that cut her pay and creative freedom, especially while caring for a newborn and supporting her husband. Smith, for his part, publicly apologized, admitting he had "made a horrible error and misjudgment of her value and power and beauty to the show" and had "horribly underestimated what she was for me at that point in my life." Their emotional exchange ended with mutual apologies and a heartfelt embrace, proving that some rifts can indeed be healed.

Will Smith on Janet Hubert's Departure:

"I made a horrible error and misjudgment of her value and power and beauty to the show. I horribly underestimated what she was for me at that point in my life."

— Will Smith, The Fresh Prince Reunion, 2020

This guest appearance on Bel-Air feels like a beautiful continuation of that reconciliation, a nod to her indelible impact on the franchise, and a testament to the power of growth and forgiveness. It truly brings the story full circle, celebrating Hubert's talent and importance in the Fresh Prince universe.

A Reunion of Legends: Other Original Cast Members Gracing Bel-Air

Janet Hubert isn't the only familiar face from the original Fresh Prince of Bel-Air to visit the reboot's dramatic world. Her appearance makes her the sixth OG cast member to make a cameo, showcasing Bel-Air's commitment to honoring its roots while forging its own path.

Previous Fresh Prince stars who have already popped up in Bel-Air include:

• Daphne Maxwell Reid (Aunt Viv #2): Appeared as a new character, Helen, in Season 1, Episode 9.
• Vernee Watson-Johnson (Will's mom, Vy Smith): Also played a new character, Janice, in Season 1, Episode 9.
• Tatyana Ali (Original Ashley Banks): Portrayed middle school teacher Mrs. Hughes in Season 2.
• Joseph Marcell (Original Butler Geoffrey): Appeared in Season 3 as Roman, a figure connected to the new Geoffrey's past.

And there's more! Ahead of Hubert's announcement, it was also revealed that supermodel and actress Tyra Banks will guest star in Season 4. In the original series, Banks played Jackie Ames, Will's on-again, off-again girlfriend. In Bel-Air, she'll play a new character described as a former college classmate of Vivian (Cassandra Freeman) who might just stir things up with the Banks matriarch.

New Faces Joining the Drama: Caroline Chikezie's Intriguing Role

Alongside these beloved returnees, Bel-air Season 4 is also introducing some fresh talent. Fans of Power Book II: Ghost will recognize Caroline Chikezie, who is set to guest star as Dominique Warren. Dominique is no ordinary guest; she's the formidable leader of Geoffrey's (Jimmy Akingbola) former London gang and is described as being like a sister to him. Her arrival promises to add new layers of intrigue and tension, potentially testing loyalties within the Banks household.

Fun fact for eagle-eyed fans: Caroline Chikezie is the real-life wife of Adrian Holmes, who plays Uncle Phil in Bel-Air! This adds an extra layer of authentic chemistry and dynamic to the scenes she shares with the cast.

What to Expect in Bel-Air Season 4: Unpacking the Banks Family Drama

As the final season kicks off, the drama in Bel-Air is as intense as ever. The official logline gives us a peek into the challenging paths our favorite characters will navigate:

• Will (Jabari Banks): Our protagonist tries to balance the excitement of his senior year with the ever-present expectations that have shaped his journey to this crucial moment.
• Carlton (Olly Sholotan): He'll be testing his own resolve as he grapples with the fallout from some truly significant decisions that could impact his entire future. Will and Carlton are expected to lean on each other during this pivotal time.
• Uncle Phil (Adrian Holmes) and Geoffrey (Jimmy Akingbola): Get ready for an unexpected power shift that threatens the brotherhood between these two, putting their deep-seated loyalties to the Banks family to the ultimate test.
• Viv (Cassandra Freeman): Aunt Viv struggles with reinventing herself, looking at motherhood and her identity from a fresh perspective.
• Ashley (Akira Akbar): As she enters her freshman year of high school, Ashley is going through a rebellious phase, quickly learning that the status quo she once knew might not serve her anymore.
• Hilary (Coco Jones): Our digital media mogul embarks on a journey of self-exploration, undoubtedly with the "wise woman" played by Janet Hubert offering guidance.

The series continues its dramatic and raw take on the classic sitcom, blending swagger, style, and aspiration with Will's complex journey from West Philadelphia to the luxurious, gated mansions of Bel-Air, all through a contemporary lens.

Behind the Scenes: The Talented Team Bringing Bel-Air's Final Chapter to Life

The success of Bel-Air is a testament to the incredible talent both in front of and behind the camera. The show was originally inspired by Morgan Cooper's viral 2019 fan trailer, which brilliantly reimagined the '90s comedy as a gripping drama. Cooper is heavily involved, serving as an executive producer and even directing the final two episodes of Season 4.

Leading the charge as showrunner, writer, and executive producer for the fourth season is Carla Banks Waddles. She's joined by an impressive list of executive producers, including Will Smith, Terence Carter, James Lassiter, Miguel Melendez, Benny Medina, Quincy Jones, and Andy and Susan Borowitz. Co-executive producers include David Boorstein, Des Moran, Shukree Tilghman, and Felicia Pride, who expressed her excitement for "beautiful familial love" and "Black love between Aunt Viv and Uncle Phil" in the upcoming season.

Directing duties for the final season's eight episodes are split among talented individuals like Nick Copus (episodes 401, 402), Keesha Sharp (403, 404), Tina Mabry (405, 406), and Morgan Stevenson Cooper (407, 408). The series is produced by Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group, and Westbrook Studios, ensuring a high-quality production that fans have come to expect.

Where and When to Catch the Final Season of Bel-Air

Mark your calendars, because the fourth and final season of Bel-Air is set to premiere on Peacock on Monday, November 24. While Peacock hasn't confirmed if all eight episodes will drop at once or roll out weekly, get ready for a compelling conclusion to Will's journey.

For those looking for streaming options, it was announced in October 2025 that Apple and NBCUniversal introduced a bundled subscription combining Apple TV+ and Peacock. This means subscribers can access Bel-Air through a single plan, making it even easier to dive into the drama.

Don't miss out on what promises to be an unforgettable final season, packed with emotional reunions, fresh faces, and all the high-stakes drama you've come to love from Bel-Air!

FAQ: Your Burning Questions About Bel-Air Season 4

When does Bel-Air Season 4 premiere?

The fourth and final season of Bel-Air premieres on Monday, November 24, on Peacock.

Where can I watch Bel-Air Season 4?

You can stream Bel-Air Season 4 exclusively on Peacock. Additionally, if you subscribe to the new Apple TV+ and Peacock bundle, you can access it through that single plan.

Is this the last season of Bel-Air?

Yes, Season 4 has been confirmed as the final season for Peacock's Bel-Air.

Will Janet Hubert play Aunt Viv again in Bel-Air?

No, Janet Hubert will not be reprising her role as Aunt Viv. In Bel-Air Season 4, she will play a new character described as a "wise woman" who meets Hilary and becomes instrumental to the Banks family.

Sources

• The Daily Beast
• Deadline
• Yahoo Entertainment
• Complex
• The Grio
• TVLine
• Vibe
• UrbanBridgez.com